Public health advocates are waiting to learn whether President Viktor Yanukovych will sign or veto legislation by parliament that imposes a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion.
Ukraine is one of the world’s heaviest smoking nations, with an estimated 11 million people – or nearly 25 percent of the population – addicted.
More than 100,000 Ukrainians die prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses.
If the president follows his son’s advice, he’ll sign the legislation. “Tobacco advertising should be prohibited,” said Viktor Yanukovych Jr., a member of parliament and the president’s younger son. “Smoking should not be stylish.” The removal of point-of-sale cigarette ads and promotions, especially at Ukraine’s ubiquitous street kiosks, will likely be the most notable change.
By the time this edition of the Kyiv Post went to press, presidential press secretary Darka Chepak said the president had reached no decision.
